Competitive Innovation Track

The Competitive Innovation Track is open to a broad range of applicants, including industry innovators and technology developers advancing projects in Canada that deliver measurable GHG reductions aligned with the Clean Fuel Regulations.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate strong technical readiness, a clear commercialization pathway, and the ability to achieve verifiable GHG reductions within five years.

This track is not technology- or process-prescriptive. Applicants may propose a wide range of solutions, provided they align with the program objectives and demonstrate meaningful emissions reductions, including but not limited to:

Category 1: Carbon Intensity Reduction Projects 

Credits generated by reducing the carbon intensity of fossil fuel production itself. Examples include:

• Co-processing such as renewable feedstocks blended into conventional refining
• Enhanced oil recovery (CO₂ injection/storage)
• Energy efficiency, cogeneration, methane management, among others

Category 2: Supplying Low-Carbon Fuels
Credits generated by supplying fuels that are inherently lower-carbon, whether liquid or gaseous. Examples include:

• Liquid: Ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, HDRD, aviation-suitable LCI fuel, other LCI fuel (biodiesel, etc.)
• Gaseous: Biogas, Hydrogen, Renewable Propane, Renewable Natural Gas

Category 3: Supplying Low Carbon Energy for Advanced Vehicles 

Credits generated by delivering fuel/energy to alternative-fuel vehicle infrastructure. Examples include:

• Hydrogen – Compressed
• Natural Gas – Compressed/Liquefied
• Propane – Compressed/Co-Processed Low-CI/Renewable
• Renewable Natural Gas – Compressed/Liquefied 

Proposals are invited for projects that will advance technology to field pilot, demonstration, or first-of-kind commercial implementation by project launch with TRL between 7 and 9. All projects must be capable of reducing emissions in a five-year timeline.

Field Test/Pilot: The solution is ready to be field tested in an operational environment, including scaling up of prototypes to a representative pilot scale and subsequent in-field testing.

Demonstration: Technology is approaching a final commercial product, with representative systems built and demonstrated at near- or full-commercial scale in an operational environment.

First-of-Kind Implementation: Technology is ready for first-of-kind commercial deployment, involving design, construction, and operation at commercial scale with the intent to run for its full commercial life.

Funding is awarded through a competitive process and supports projects with strong technical, economic, and environmental performance. Key parameters:

• Funding is provided on a cost-shared basis, with a minimum match from applicants or partners.
• Projects must be implemented in Canada and demonstrate clear benefit to the Canadian fuel sector.
• Projects must be sufficiently advanced to begin within defined timelines and proceed to deployment.
• Projects must include robust measurement, monitoring, and reporting of emissions reductions within a five-year period.

Funding is disbursed based on milestone completion, following the execution of a Contribution Agreement.

1. Expression of Interest submission: Applicants submit a preliminary proposal.
2. Eligibility screening: Initial compliance check against program requirements.
3. EOI evaluation: Independent review of technology strength, business case, GHG impact, and readiness to identify projects advancing to the full project proposal stage.
4. Full Project Proposal: Shortlisted applicants submit a full proposal for further due diligence.
5. Presentations: Shortlisted applicants present to the IFCF evaluation committee.
6. Final decision: The IFCF Project Committee approves funding recommendations.

Successful applicants enter into a Contribution Agreement setting out milestones, deliverables, and reporting obligations.

Milestone                                                                Date

Call launch                                                              TBD

Informational webinar                                      TBD

EOI deadline                                                          TBD

Shortlist notification                                          TBD

Full project proposal submission                 TBD

Presentations                                                        TBD

Funding decision                                                 TBD

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Strength and readiness of the technology or process for commercialization
• Business case and market potential
• Project readiness and implementation plan
• GHG emissions reductions and carbon intensity improvements
• Economic, environmental, and broader benefits

Successful projects must:

• Begin work within defined timelines following funding approval
• Deliver emissions reductions within program timelines
• Provide ongoing reporting on performance, outcomes, and impacts
• Participate in knowledge sharing to support broader adoption of  successful solutions

Applicants are encouraged to connect with the IFCF team to discuss project alignment and eligibility before applying.

For inquiries: info@ifcfund.ca